cairo
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Description:
Vector graphics library with cross-device output support
Type: Formula  |  Latest Version: 1.18.4@0  |  Tracked Since: Dec 17, 2025
Links: Homepage  |  formulae.brew.sh
Category: Developer tools
Tags: graphics vector-graphics 2d-rendering pdf gui
Install: brew install cairo
About:
Cairo is a 2D graphics library designed to provide high-quality vector-based rendering across multiple output devices. It supports a wide range of drawing operations including anti-aliased primitives, gradients, and complex path filling. Its primary value is delivering consistent graphical output whether the destination is a screen display, PDF file, SVG file, or printer.
Key Features:
  • Hardware-accelerated rendering via X11 and other backends
  • Support for multiple output formats including PDF, SVG, and PostScript
  • High-quality anti-aliasing and compositing operations
  • Cross-platform compatibility
Use Cases:
  • Rendering user interfaces in graphical applications
  • Generating high-fidelity PDF documents and reports
  • Creating scalable vector graphics for web or print
Alternatives:
  • Skia – Google's graphics engine, often used in Chrome and Android, offering similar 2D capabilities with a different API
  • librsvg – Specialized for SVG rendering, whereas Cairo is a broader 2D drawing library
License: LGPL-2.1-only OR MPL-1.1
Dependencies: fontconfig, freetype, glib, libpng, libx11, libxcb, libxext, libxrender, lzo, pixman
Bottles available for: arm64_tahoe, arm64_sequoia, arm64_sonoma, arm64_ventura, sonoma, ventura, arm64_linux, x86_64_linux
Version History
Detected Version Rev Change Commit
Sep 14, 2025 6:50am 0 VERSION_BUMP 5b317f16
Nov 17, 2024 8:34pm 0 VERSION_BUMP 9ff9eef9